Astilbe vs Canna Lily

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Astilbe

Astilbe × arendsii

Saxifragaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Astilbe (Zones 4-8)

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Canna Lily
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Canna × generalis
Family	Saxifragaceae	Cannaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	6'
Spread	2'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Astilbe

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Canna Lily

✓Dig rhizomes before frost in cold climates.
✓Full sun and rich soil for best performance.
✓Keep well watered.
✓Divide overcrowded clumps in spring.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Canna Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium to high water in zones 7–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View AstilbeProfile →View Canna LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Canna Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Canna Lily grows in zones 7-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

Do Astilbe and Canna Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Canna Lily needs full sun and medium to high water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Canna Lily?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Astilbe at 3'. Canna Lily spreads 2' while Astilbe spreads 2'.

Are Astilbe and Canna Lily deer resistant?

Astilbe is deer resistant, but Canna Lily is not. If deer are a concern, Astilbe is the better choice, or protect Canna Lily with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Canna Lily?

Both Astilbe and Canna Lily have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Canna Lily
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Canna × generalis
Family	Saxifragaceae	Cannaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	6'
Spread	2'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Canna Lily

✓Dig rhizomes before frost in cold climates.
✓Full sun and rich soil for best performance.
✓Keep well watered.
✓Divide overcrowded clumps in spring.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Canna Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium to high water in zones 7–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Canna Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Canna Lily grows in zones 7-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

Do Astilbe and Canna Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Canna Lily needs full sun and medium to high water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Canna Lily?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Astilbe at 3'. Canna Lily spreads 2' while Astilbe spreads 2'.

Are Astilbe and Canna Lily deer resistant?

Astilbe is deer resistant, but Canna Lily is not. If deer are a concern, Astilbe is the better choice, or protect Canna Lily with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Canna Lily?

Both Astilbe and Canna Lily have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.